How to Talk About Your Pain

Caregivers want you to talk to them about your pain. This helps them learn what may be causing the pain and how best to treat it. Tell caregivers your answers to the following questions:

Dr. Francis McDonnell talks with his staff.

Where does it hurt? Where does it not hurt? Does the pain move from one area to another?

How would you rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10? (0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you have ever had).

How does the pain feel? Try to choose words that tell caregivers what type of pain you have. Is the pain sharp, cramping, twisting, squeezing, or crushing? Or is the pain stabbing, burning, dull, numb, or "pins-and-needles" feeling?

When did the pain start? Did it begin quickly or slowly? Is the pain steady or does it come and go?

How often does the pain bother you and how long does it last?

Does the pain affect your daily life? Can you still work in spite of the pain?

Does the pain wake you from sleep?

Do certain things or activities cause the pain to start or get worse, like coughing or touching the area?

Does the pain come before, during, or after meals?

Does anything decrease the pain, like changing positions, resting, medicines, or changing what you eat?

Why is pain control important? Pain can affect your appetite (ability or desire to eat), how well you sleep, your energy, and your ability to do things. Pain can also affect your mood (how you feel about things) and relationships with others. If caregivers can help you control your pain, you will suffer less and can even heal faster.